This post may contain affiliate links and CorporetteMoms may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
FYI: Uniqlo has warm pants for men, women, and kids. So if you have a kiddo who seems impervious to the cold when a playground is involved (or, like me, you are always freezing), do check them out. These purple cords look great for a weekend or casual day at work (know your office; the 5-pocket style is not appropriate for every workplace), and they have Uniqlo’s Heattech technology to make them extra warm. They’re $39 on sale, available in sizes 23-29. Uniqlo Heattech Corduroy Pants
(L-3)
Sales of note for 9.10.24
(See all of the latest workwear sales at Corporette!)
- Ann Taylor – 30% off your purchase
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- Boden – 15% off new styles
- Eloquii – $29 and up select styles; up to 50% off everything else
- J.Crew – Up to 50% off wear-to-work styles; extra 30% off sale styles
- J.Crew Factory – 40-60% off everything; extra 60% off clearance
- Lands’ End – 30% off full-price styles
- Loft – Extra 40% off sale styles
- Talbots – BOGO 50% everything, includes markdowns
- Zappos – 26,000+ women’s sale items! (check out these reader-favorite workwear brands on sale, and some of our favorite kids’ shoe brands on sale)
Kid/Family Sales
- Carter’s – Birthday sale, 40-50% off & extra 20% off select styles
- Hanna Andersson – Up to 50% off all baby; up to 40% off all Halloween
- J.Crew Crewcuts – Extra 30% off sale styles
- Old Navy – 40% off everything
- Target – BOGO 25% off select haircare, up to 25% off floor care items; up to 30% off indoor furniture up to 20% off TVs
See some of our latest articles on CorporetteMoms:
Click here to see our top posts!
And — here are some of our latest threadjacks of interest – working mom questions asked by the commenters!
- The concept of “backup care” is so stupid…
- I need tips on managing employees in BigLaw who have to leave for daycare pickup…
- I’m thinking of leaning out to spend more time with my family – how can I find the perfect job for that?
- I’m now a SAHM and my husband needs to step up…
- How can I change my thinking to better recognize some of my husband’s contributions as important, like organizing the shed?
- What are your tips to having a good weekend with kids, especially with little kids? Do you have a set routine or plan?
Time fillers says
I am 27 weeks with a first baby and had to majorly scale back my typical packed weekends due to tiredness. Apparently I scaled back too hard, because I have now had several weekends in a row with literally nothing to do (I know, not a bad problem to have) but I am SO bored. Husband has work this weekend, and there isn’t much to be done to prepare for baby (nursery is on track and it’s still a little early for meal prepping). How would you fill the time? Particularly welcoming things moms wish they had before the baby came. Bonus points if they don’t cost a lot.
mascot says
What did you like to do on lazy days before you were pregnant? Read, cook, knit, watch tv, run errands, nap? Do that.
RDC says
Anything you like to do that isn’t particularly baby-friendly, since you will probably do less of it once baby comes. See a play or concert; go out to your favorite restaurant; go to the movies; read a book or take a nap; cook a nice meal; meet a friend for coffee…?
RDC says
Oh! Another one. Declutter like mad to make room for the inevitable baby crap (ahem … essential gear and toys) that will shortly take over your living space.
Anon in NYC says
Movies. I was never a big movie-goer pre-baby, but now I miss being able to just go to a movie theater without getting someone to watch my daughter (plus the guilt associated with wanting to spend precious non-work hours not with her). Sometimes the movie theaters near me have less expensive tickets if you go to early showings.
Lkl says
So funny to me to see so many people recommending movies — I definitely couldn’t sit comfortably in a movie theater after about 5 months. So now it’s been way more than a year since I’ve been to a movie!
PEN says
MOVIE THEATER.
Photos says
Agree with movies. Another one is to organize/sort pics. I wish I had organized albums of pics and my husband and me pre-baby. Then, decide how you want to handle pics after baby arrives – test drive a few apps, or pre-order albums, whatever. I was overwhelmed with how many pictures there are after baby comes, and I can just never stay on top of it. By kid 2, I realized that I just have to have empty albums waiting for me, and then I organize my favorite iPhone pics into albums, order and put them away immediately. It was overwhelming for me to handle with my first.
TBK says
Do your holiday shopping. Watch TV or movies. Browse the internet. Go get lunch/dinner with a friend. Wander the mall aimlessly and look at everything that catches your eye. Read a novel. Have a long phone call with a faraway friend. Take long showers. Do your nails. Get a pedicure. Get a haircut. Cook/bake. Declutter. Hang out with your dog/cat, who’s still your baby.
Katala says
Great list. Specifically, watch TV/movies that are loud or violent. I watched a lot of tv on maternity leave, but loud noises startled the baby and I didn’t feel comfortable having violence/explosions/etc on around him, which I hadn’t thought of.
LSC says
Any favorite baby/toddler clothing brands? I just ordered some stuff from the Carter’s sale, but I have to admit I don’t love their quality. I am not looking to spend a ton of money, because my kiddo will be in and out of these clothes pretty quickly, but I would like to know of any nicer brands that people rely on.
anne-on says
Gap and Boden, plus Janie and Jack for the holiday clothes (on sale). Patagonia and LLBean for winter coats/snow things. They all hold up really well, and Boden resells quite well if you want to. We hand down all of our baby clothes to the rest of the family and my in-laws have been quite pleased with the quality of everything I’ve given them.
Anon in NYC says
I bought Hanna Andersson long-sleeve onesies and pants because, based on sizing, I expect my daughter to wear them through the winter. Right now the worst thing she can do to them are diaper explosions and drool so I expect them to hold up to that. Also, Gap. The quality is definitely better than Carter’s (although I still think Carter’s is great for what it is).
anon says
I do find Hannas to run a little smaller than Carters – but the onesies often have two sets of snaps to let them expand.
Anon in NYC says
Yep! That’s exactly why I bought them. I was willing to spend a little more with the hope that they last her several months.
JJ says
Most of our clothes come from Old Navy, Gap, and Janie and Jack for special occasions. I also love Tea Collection, Hatley, and the Koala Kids line at Babies R Us. Lands End for winter clothes, and I search the sales for clothes on Diapers.com.
mascot says
Hanna Andersson pjs are the best and worth the money. I stock up from the outlets or department store sales. For boy clothes, we have a lot of Gap and Lands End. I liked Gymboree and Janie and Jack (same family of store, crazy 8s is the lower end). I can almost always buy second-hand or on sale.
TBK says
I’m surprised you don’t think Carter’s is good quality. For the length of time kids wear the clothes, I’ve been really happy with them. Most days my kids are dressed head to toe in Carter’s.
Anonymous says
The fabric on a lot of the stuff I have just feels…stiff? They hold up fine I just don’t love the texture if that makes any sense.
NewMomAnon says
Do you have a boy or a girl? I think TBK has boys and that may explain the differing experiences. I found that the girl clothes from Carters feel cheaper than the boy clothes. I usually buy the sleepers from Carter’s in the boys’ section now and my daughter definitely prefers the boy sleepers (thicker, softer jersey fabric). I had the same experience with the onesies back when my kiddo wore onesies.
I also liked H&M back in the days when kiddo was outgrowing clothes every two minutes. The sweat pants have lasted us more than a year now (we bought bigger to accommodate a big baby belly, and her legs have finally caught up). I thought H&M clothes were generally softer than Carter’s but in a similar price point.
LSC says
Yep–a girl. Good tip on trying out some boys clothes.
And as MSJ brings up, ideally I’d love to use these clothes for a second child if possible, so that’s why I am a little more concerned about longevity.
TBK says
I do have boys. I hadn’t realized that. Boo on Carter’s for making cr@ppy girl clothes!
Msj says
I may be projecting, but I do think it’s different for twins. As I’m not planning on more kids, I’m buying everything twice to use once. Longevity isn’t an issue as they have always outgrown everything first. I can imagine the value proposition is different when you want something to last several children. Or you are buying a lot less. As much as I love adorable baby clothes and try to buy mostly sustainable brands for myself, I take whatever hand me downs come my way for the kids. Which in this case is a lot of Carters (so it does survive hand me downs in my experience)
FVNC says
Gap and Boden are great. We have lots of hand-me-downs from these brands — my kid is the third one to use them. Polarn O. Pyret on sale is my other favorite.
MDMom says
I have actually been impressed with the quality of h&m baby clothes. They have some nice fleece lined leggings and their basic onesies (the ones marked conscious collection) are thick and soft-and cheap too! Sizing is similar to carter’s in my experience.
Carine says
Same! I buy mostly Boden and Hanna on sale, LLBean, Gap and some Old Navy, and I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered H&M’s baby clothes. The organic cotton onesies are so soft!
Re: how long they wear them–the better quality brands also seem like they are more often adjustable and can be worn longer. My summer baby got THREE seasons out of an LL Bean parka, letting out the seams for the grow cuffs in the third, and it still looks great for hand-me-down purposes. I won’t go anywhere else for outerwear.
PEN says
Looking for car advice. Gearing up to buy a new (or new-to-us) family vehicle. I had been thinking a Subaru Outback or Volvo XC70, but am now thinking we should go with a sedan. Car will mostly be used for husband’s daily commute, so looking for great gas mileage. Needs to be able to fit two rear-facing car seats in the back seat with enough leg room for tall parents in both front seats. We have snow in winter, so something safe and able to handle bad roads. Any wisdom?
Due in December says
We just purchased a Subaru Outback, so that would be my vote. We love it. The all-wheel drive and clearance was a selling point for us…didn’t want to have to worry in the snow.
Are you thinking this will be exclusively a commuting vehicle, or do you think you’ll be taking trips with the kids? What other vehicle do you have, if any? I think those are the most important considerations that may weigh in the decision between the Outback/XC70 vs. a sedan in terms of cargo space.
JJ says
I think a lot depends on how tall you are, as well. I’m 6′ and wear heels to work. The idea of having to bend over (or squat…) to get my kids into car seats in a sedan…without slamming my head into the car ceiling…while wearing heels is a nightmare. It’s SUVs and cross-overs for me, all the way.
Anonymous says
I’m the opposite – 5’1″ and wear flats :) It is a major challenge for me to lift the infant seat up into an SUV and not something I’d want to do al the time.
D. Meagle says
Subaru Imprezia – we have the hatchback. Fits two car seats comfortably in the back. All-wheel drive standard. Hatchback is great for diaper changing ;)
PEN says
thanks–this will be our only car. So pretty much exclusive commuting for husband during the week and various day trips/errand running with the kids on the weekends. I am 5’10” and my husband is 6’1″
NewMomAnon says
I have a Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. The gas mileage isn’t as great as I was expecting with a hybrid, but is still really good for AWD (usually 32-36 mpg on open freeway, drops to 22-25 mpg in traffic, sometimes less than 20 mpg in city stop-and-go driving). And I can put so much stuff in it. I also appreciate the little bit of height without the back strain of hauling a kid into a tall SUV.
layered bob says
I am 5’9″ and my husband is 6’3″. We have a Britax Marathon car seat that we installed rear-facing on like every single car available, and we borrowed a Britax Boulevard to see what two rear-facing car seats would be like. The only car we liked that fit them AND us comfortably was a Subaru Outback, post-2011 (or whenever the redesign was.)
The Subaru Forester was also fine. The Crosstrek and Impreza are exactly the same car, one is just a couple inches higher – both a touch too small.
Everything from Toyota we hated.
Some of the Mazdas were ok.
The Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagon is an ok option too – people who have them LOVE them.
PregLawyer says
The subaru outback was wayyy too small for us – I’m 6’0″ and husband is 6’6″. We ended up getting a Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. It has by far the most rear leg room of any small suv we looked at. Its rear seat slides back a bit, so it has even more room. We’re taller than you, though, so maybe you can get away with less room?
anne-on says
I’d still go with the Subaru if I were you, simply for extra cargo space. The XC70 isn’t very large in the back once you add in the rear facing car seats, especially if they’re bulkier models.
waiting for babies... says
I’m 32 weeks pregnant with twins and cannot focus on anything but babies’ arrival. I’m simultaneously worried about them coming early (with every pain I worry this could be it!) and excited about their arrival. I’m too physically uncomfortable to do anything at all, though I haven’t been told to limit activity beyond listening to my body.
How can I make the time pass faster?! But seriously, how do you survive the last couple weeks or last month when you have no idea how much longer there is, can’t move much, and feel all the feelings?
TBK says
Ugh, been there. But Yay 32 weeks! You’re really past the scary scary time, and even if they come a bit early and go to the NICU, they’ll just be feeder-growers most likely, so YAY YAY YAY. I spent more than 12 weeks in the hospital on bed rest, plus another 4 at home (total time was from the week before Thanksgiving to late March) and what got me past the worst of it was binge watching TV shows (Boardwalk Empire, Six Feet Under, Downton Abbey) and playing mindless iPad games (The Room (plus The Room 2 and The Room 3), Ticket to Ride, Monopoly, Imaginarium) without any guilt whatsoever.
While I’m here, let me tell you (since it sounds like maybe these are your first kids), the first 12 weeks after they arrive are really really hard. And about a week in, you’ll think “TWELVE weeks?! TWELVE weeks of this?! I can’t do another 12 hours!” I know. I know. I honestly thought we’d made a horrible mistake and that I literally could not handle being their mother. (Hello hormones, there you are!) I also was so jealous of mothers of singletons. Incredibly jealous. But really, the 12 weeks will be a blip in their lives (and yours) and you really will make it. Mine are 20 months old and I would not trade having twins for anything in the world. They tackle-hug each other now (which usually results in them both falling over) and there’s nothing like coming home to TWO little toddlers running at you with their little baby tummies and their little fat hands in the air, wanting you to pick them up. They talk to each other while they fall asleep in their cribs at night and trade toys back and forth through the bars. Twins are the best. You’ll make it through the first weeks.
AEK says
I am reading this while pumping (sorry if TMI) and that visual just brought tears to my eyes. And a smile.
OP says
Thank you so much for this. Each part of it really hit the spot. And of course now I am crying (luckily at home) as I imagine two chubby toddlers going through their own little night time routine.
TBK says
Seriously, they’re like two little puppies. When I got home last night, I was a little early and the au pair was in the middle of putting them into pj’s. One had nothing on except a diaper and one sock, and the other was wearing just his pj top and a diaper. They both came running at me saying “ma ma ma ma!” and kind of scrabbling at my knees/thighs with their hands. After they got kisses, they ran off again and tried to play with their wagon instead of getting put into pj’s. It’s total crazytime pretty much all the time but THEY ARE SO CUTE. It’s insane. So just remember, the first three months WILL PASS. It really will. And when two little ones are both trying to give you kisses at the same time, it will be totally worth it.
kc esq says
I have twin toddlers and I second everything TBK said. Life is hard, but when I am approaching my door at the end of the day, I am so so so happy to have my life.
I ended up having to be induced at 38.5 weeks after months of feeling like it could be any day now. Please, enjoy your adult relationships until the babies come. Grab lunch or an after-work Sprite with anyone you may want to have a conversation with that lasts longer than 10 minutes.
And once they come, ignore everyone you know who is not a twins parent. They think they know, but they have no idea.
OP says
I love this! I guess I’ll just need to keep my motto of ‘everything is temporary’ for another few months.
kc esq, thank’s for your thoughts here (I couldnt’ figure out how to respond to your comment). I am trying to see/talk to friends as much as possible. I’ve also learned that twin parents are amazing — so generous with advice and encouragement. When I talk about expecting twins, non-twin parents of little ones tend to have an “I can’t even imagine/you’re in for it!” type of reaction, while twin parents generally warn that the beginning is hard but survivable and then having twins is wonderful. And I’ve never been pregnant before, but I’m pretty sure having two in here is a whole different ball game!
NewMomAnon says
Oh man, good luck. I remember hitting 31 weeks with a single pregnancy and thinking there was no way I could make it to 40 weeks. Time sort of decelerates and accelerates while pregnant…by the last few weeks, I just willed the kiddo to stay in a little bit longer!
Things that helped me get through the last 9 weeks: prenatal yoga, chiropractic care, massage. Swimming (err…floating). Nesting, even in small ways like knitting a baby hat or “staging” the baby bookshelf (ah, the days when I had time to stage a bookshelf and admire it for more than half a second). Reading books about raising happy/moral/well-adjusted/etc kids and especially about the first year of life (do it before the babies come!!!).
(Tw)In-house Counsel says
I’m mostly a lurker on here, but I have 5.5 month old twin girls. I spent that last part of pregnancy worrying and reading all the baby books, which I promptly forgot once the reality of the babies came. Can you still take a bath? I haven’t taken a long relaxing bath since about 35 weeks pregnant and then, my husband had to help me get out. Read some magazines you like, no baby stuff. Stop googling all the things that can go wrong. 0 – 12 weeks was exceptionally hard. It is getting better and better, but TBK’s post really made me feel better and helps me look forward to the future.
OP says
Thank you! So good to hear from someone at your stage. I’ve actually been afraid to take a bath because I’m worried I will use too-hot water. I tried one a couple months ago, erred on the side of too luke warm and got chilled. It was miserable and I felt stupid…
I think I need to go buy some trashy magazines and novels :)
TBK says
It really does get better all the time. When I was in the really early days (two weeks in maybe?) I remember reading articles about how parenting “never gets easier; it just gets different.” Okay, so maybe parenting a 13 year old well is extremely challenging, but IT TOTALLY GETS EASIER at least from the first few days. My kids are so much easier than they were even at 5 months. And they give back so much more. Smiling is great and all but nothing beats your kid running up to you and giving you a hug. It’s amazing.
(Tw)in-house counsel says
TBK, I think I read the same thing when I was two weeks pp while pumping and just ended up sobbing thinking it would never get better. On top of that, crying while pumping meant I made almost no milk so it was a triple cry session. It has already gotten better.
TBK says
Ugh. If you can bf or pump for twins, good on you. But the best day was when I gave it all up for formula. Life changing.
Resort Paralegal says
Can’t tell anyone IRL, but I have my appointment to get Mirena remove to try for #2 scheduled! So excited but nervous! And no mat leave….. Has anyone here had 2 months or less mat leave? With a toddler? Or teleworking?
Anonymous says
I’m regnant with #2. I’ll take about 2 months mat leave. I technically have 3 but i can’t be out of pocket that long. I’ll likely come back part time at 8-9 weeks and ramp to mostly full time by 12 weeks then real full time by 16 weeks. I telework but travel a lot; I will not be traveling until the baby is at minimum 4 months old, which was my setup for #1.
#1 went to daycare and it was hard, but she started at 11w. For #2, we are going to get in-home care (first DH’s pat leave, then my MIL for 1-2 weeks, then my mom for 1 week…, then possibly my sister for a week if the timing works…). Then we’ll get a nanny and I will be home, but nanny will be in charge of #2 during the day. #1 will be moving (we think) from FT daycare to 3x week in the mornings. She’ll be starting preschool mid-mat leave so i figure it’s good timing.
NewMomAnon says
*sad face* I want the shoes on the model, but Uniqlo doesn’t seem to sell shoes. I’m sure I could dig through Zappos to find something similar….but that is so much work. Blast.
Anonymous says
Not exactly what the model is wearing but $27 at Forever 21… http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product2.aspx?BR=F21&Category=Shoes&ProductID=2052287941
CPA Lady says
So I officially just accepted a job offer. I’m leaving public accounting for a job with much better hours, slightly more money, and a job title that’s making me realize that I’m taking a step down. I’m excited but also about to throw up. It’s all going to be okay. It’s all going to be ok. *breathes into bag*
Coach Laura says
Congratulations! I think you’ll take the job and never look back!
Anon in NYC says
Congrats! It will be fine.
FVNC says
Congratulations! I hope you love it.
Babyweight says
Non-holiday matching PJs? My 5 year old has requested matching PJs for her and her soon to be born baby brother. I only can seem to find holiday themed ones. Ideas where to get non-holiday ones?